Final answer:
The anecdote supports the claim that there is no situation in life without its advantages, if approached with humor and positivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anecdote that Swain tells in the passage supports the claim that 'there is no situation in life but has its advantages and pleasures--provided we will but take a joke as we find it.'
This claim is evident in the story told by the character in the passage, where he uses humor to navigate through difficult situations and ultimately finds success.
The anecdote demonstrates the importance of having a positive attitude and finding enjoyment even in challenging circumstances.